The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Dejan Kovacevic reports the Houston Astros expressed interest in free-agent SP John Van Benschoten (Pirates), as a hitter. However, he wants to continue pitching. He was the NCAA's home run champion in 2001, but a lingering injury in his left, non-throwing shoulder, has hurt his swing over the years.

Pirates.MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports Pittsburgh Pirates P John Van Benschoten will have to make the team in spring training because he's out of options. However, he may have failed in his final attempt to produce with the Pirates when his velocity didn't increase and his aggressiveness didn't return as a reliever.